Arsenal told Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer will cost more than Man Utd man as north-west giants named as genuine suitors

Arsenal have been warned off a January deal for Mykhaylo Mudryk after Shakhtar Donetsk’s deputy sporting director set an incredible new price on the head of their star man, while also naming another Premier League side as major new suitors.

The Gunners are riding high at the top of the Premier League after an excellent start to the season. However, they know their side will need further additions in the new year if they are to maintain their somewhat-unexpected push for title glory.

As such, Mikel Arteta is still looking to bolster two key areas of his side. Indeed, his wish to sign a new midfielder is well documented, with a deadline day offer for Douglas Luiz falling short. The Brazilian has since signed a new deal at Villa Park, making a fresh offer from  Arsenal seem unlikely.

However, Arteta is also looking for a new winger. Arsenal allowed Nicolas Pepe to depart on a season’s loan to Nice in the summer and he has never replaced. And with the Gunners looking to add more competition on the wing, they are ready to spend big in January.

To that end, Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claims the club have identified Mudryk as one of three potential targets.

The Shakhtar star this season finds himself as one of European football’s most in-demand stars. His efforts in the Champions League, where he has three goals and two assists in five games, underlines that potential.

Indeed, the 21-year-old has prevously spoken on his admiration for the Gunners and how moving to the Premier League would fulfil a dream.

However, any hopes Arsenal had of landing Mudryk on the cheap have been extinguished.

Previously, his club have suggested it would take around £43.4m (€50m) to tempt them to sell.

Arsenal told why Antony transfer sets new high mark for Mudryk

But the club’s deputy sporting director, Carlo Nicolini, has now set a new mark for anyone wanting to prise Mudryk in January.

Citing the £85m Manchester United paid for Antony, he believes Shakhtar will seek a similar fee for their star man.

“Is €40m enough to buy him? We do not speak to these figures. Not even for €50m, we don’t even call the president to communicate the offer. We value Mudryk more than Antony of Manchester United, who cost €100m,” Nicolini told Calciomercato.

“We are not obliged to sell, we do not want to make phenomena. We don’t want to shoot figures that aren’t realistic. But in this team, he is the most decisive. If you want to take on certain players who make a difference in the top clubs, you also need the right money.”

It also seems Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit of the winger. Having a total of seven goals and six assist from just 11 matches this season, it’s easy to see why he’s a player in demand.

Indeed, a few Italian sides, including Juventus, are also reportedly looking at Mudryk too.

New Prem suitor also looking at potential transfer

However, Nicolini suggests a move to Serie A looks out of the question with a move to the Premier League or even Spain more likely.

In addition, Nicolini also reckons Manchester City are ready to launch an approach for his services.

“The headlights are on him, but I say that the Italians always come later. Now it is easy to observe him, but it was possible to do it before. The Italians bring low proposals, we don’t even sit down to negotiate,” he commented.

“There are many English candidates, there is the Spanish on duty, the French on duty, but now it takes the right amount to take him away. Together with [Kylian] Mbappe, [Rafael] Leao and Vinicius, Mudryk is the strongest player in that position.

“Oscillating between Arsenal and Manchester City? They are two teams that have taken an interest in the player. But there are also other clubs that can spend right away.”

It’s easy to see why the very top clubs are sitting up and looking at Mudryk’s rise as he’s clearly a man destined for big things.

But Shakhtar are fooling themselves if they think he will command a fee as high as Antony.

While he is impressing in the Champions League, the Ukrainian league is not of the same level. It probably can’t even be described as one of the top eight leagues in European football either.

And while he is a major talent, they may need to be realistic in their valuations.

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